TOWN hall bosses inspired by a popular TV series have been joining front line workers and going "back to the floor".

Managers from Bolton Council's commercial services department spent the day with the mops and buckets.

They were emulating bosses in the popular BBC2 series Back To The Floor.

The department's 2,000 staff clean the borough's subways every day, collect waste from 112,000 households every week, and empty litter bins in town centres and main roads at least once a day.

They also provide a range of front line services from school meals to disabled transport.

Assistant director Alan Dallas rolled up his sleeves and went litter picking, cutting hedges and gardening.

He said: "I was weeding and clearing ginnels and gardens on one of our housing estates.

"The day left me with admiration for the teams, who do an excellent but difficult and sometimes thankless job.

"I think that the longer you are in a managerial position, the more you might lose touch with the most important role of the council, which is day-to-day practical service to the community.

"I was very glad to have been able to join the team, if only for a short time."

Six other senior managers took part in the event. They carried out a night shift with a security team, patrolled the streets with the neighbourhood wardens, assisted teams delivering training to adults with learning disabilities and joined catering staff in the school meals service.

Executive member for Direct Services Donald Grime encourages the back to the floor programme.

He said: "They were able to get a good look at the day to day aspects of the services that they manage."

BBC 2's Back to the Floor is now a regular series and popular series.

For more information about carrying out 'back to the floor' events call Ruth Seddon, Training and Development Officer for advice on Bolton (01204) 336762.